Lyon open Benzema door

20 Jun 2009 14:48:00

Lyon could be tempted to sell Karim Benzema to Manchester United if the Barclays Premier League side put in a big-money bid, according to director Bernard Lacombe.
Benzema is one of the world's hottest properties and speculation is rife that United are ready to use some of the money from the impending sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid to bring the young striker to Old Trafford.
Lacombe claimed recently Benzema would remain at the Stade Gerland, but has now revealed the 21-year-old could be sold if the price is right.
"He is with us, but no-one knows what will happen," Lacombe told regional daily Le Progres. "At the time we didn't think that Michael Essien would leave, but when Chelsea came with their cheque...
"If Manchester United, who we all know have come into a lot of money, present an offer for Benzema, what can you do?"
Benzema came through the ranks at the French giants and burst onto the scene in the 2007-08 season with 31 goals in 51 games, a streak that saw him named Ligue 1 player of the year as well as top the league's scoring charts.